Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy

IMRT is a technologically advanced treatment method available radiation therapy. It allows for very targeted external beam radiotherapy treatments. Rather than using one large radiation beam, the radiation is broken up into thousands of thin radiation beams. This procedure delivers high doses of radiation to the cancer tumor while limiting the exposure to nearby organs. It is a minimally invasive procedure and therefore may be easier on the patient than surgical procedures.

The most commonly treated areas include:

prostate
spine
lung
breast
kidney

pancreatic tumors
liver
larynx
tongue
sinus

IMRT Treatment Procedure

CT Scan, MRI, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), or a combination of these treatments, is used for accurate diagnosis.
Our cancer care team studies the results and determines the areas to be treated.
Based on their analysis, an IMRT treatment plan is developed.
Radiation is then delivered to the patient via thin beams targeted to the tumor with high accuracy.
Treatment times vary for each patient — typically taking 15 to 30 minutes.
An entire course of treatment can last up to 40 days, depending on the tumor size and location.

The end result is better tumor control, less damage to healthy bodily tissues and better quality of life for the patient. As with any radiation therapy, treatment with IMRT always involves a radiation oncologist.

Jack Hong, MD, medical director at the HarborView Radiation Oncology Center, is a highly skilled radiation oncologist who has extensive experience in minimally invasive procedures. Meet our specialists.

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